A HEREFORDSHIRE school has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for knowing "every pupil inside and out"

SENAD Group's Rowden House School, near Bromyard, received an overall rating of 'good' when inspectors visited in June.

It was rated in five categories, with inspectors finding it to be good in the quality of education, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision categories, while it received the top 'outstanding' rating for behaviour and attitudes and personal development.

Inspectors said teachers at the school, which caters for children with severe learning disabilities, autism, and challenging behaviour, understood the complexities of pupils' needs and disabilities.

Staff worked tirelessly to get pupils to engage in learning, with positive relationships and consistent and clear routines.

The report said the development of communication and language skills underpins all aspects of school life, with staff making the most of every opportunity to develop pupils' skills.

Leaders have also not lost sight of the importance of developing skills such as reading, writing, and maths.

Concepts and instructions were clear and well explained, while staff help pupils understand what is and what is not appropriate in different situations and relationships in a relatable way.

ALSO READ:

Staff support pupils to understand aspects of independent living, while older students attend a range of work experience settings, including a chicken farm, a cafe, and a care home.

Inspectors found there was a clear vision for pupils, with effective systems and procedures in place to help make their vision a reality.

One parent told inspectors that going to the school had been life-changing for their son and family.

However, the report said the school could improve in some areas, with the curriculum not always sufficiently challenging for all pupils, while a lack of subject-specific training means some staff are not as well equipped as they could be to deliver subject-specific aspects of the curriculum.

Head of learning Ruth Nolan said: "We are delighted that the report reflects the hard work and dedication of staff to provide students at Rowden with a personalised and meaningful education which prepares them for their future.

"To have outstanding grades for ‘behaviour and attitudes’ and ‘personal development’ celebrates the way in which each individual is supported throughout their time at Rowden focusing on developing self-regulation, communication and life skills, which are the key areas of our curriculum."